Frugal Mummy

Organise Your Errand Day

Frugal Friday - Rinse Aid

2007-09-14T12:49:00.000+10:00

Instead of buying expensive Rinse Aid for your dishwasher, fill it with plain white vinegar. It works just as well and it is much cheaper.

If you want some more great frugal tips go and check out the other Frugal Friday participants.

My Other Frugal Friday Posts:
Birthday Gift Box
Birthday Card Organiser
Homemade Yoghurt
Double Your Washing Powder
40 Uses For Vinegar
Baby Burpers
Newborn Clothes
Shaving Conditioner
Spray Detergent
Party Loot Bags
Don't Waste Water
Frugal Shampoo
Playdough
Organise Your Errand Day
Drying Clothes
Freezing Milk
Cut Out Junk Food

How To Make Money With Your Blog

2007-09-08T10:41:00.000+10:00

For the last 4 months I have been making money on my blog through PayPerPost.

So far I have been paid over $350 and have another $80 being paid to me over the next month.

Basically PPP list opportunities for you to blog about. Theses Opps. are more often than not websites and blogs that are promoting a product or service.

To earn money you simply take an Opp. and write a review or a blog post about the product or service, linking back to that website.

once you submit your post to PPP and it is approved they will pay you for it. Each Opp. is paid at a different rate but generally they start at $5 and can go much higher into the hundreds per post.

The more traffic that comes to your blog and the higher your Google page rank the more Opps become available to you and the more maoney you can make.

If you want to find out more go to PayPerPost by clicking on the button in my sidebar on the right.

If you want to join up right now simply fill out the form below. You can earn $20 for your first post.

And the best thing is that they can pay you straight into your Paypal account so for those of you, who like me don't live in the USA, you can start being paid quickly and easily.

Your Browser does not support IFrames: This form can not be rendered. Please visit PayPerPost to sign up.

Frugal Friday - Cut Out Junk Food

2007-09-07T09:04:00.000+10:00

Cut down or even better cut out junk food. If you can get your family to completely give up the chips, cookies, candy and soft drinks then you will be saving money and eating healthier. I have been slowly weening my family of junk by buying less and less each week.

If you want some more great frugal tips go and check out the other Frugal Friday participants.

My Other Frugal Friday Posts:

Organise Your Errand Day

Drying Clothes

Freezing Milk

Quick And Easy Halloween Decorations

2007-09-05T12:33:00.000+10:00

I know it isn't Halloween yet, it isn't even October yet! But it never hurts to be prepared, especially if you are trying to be frugal. This is a great article by Kathy Wilson giving a few great ideas for Halloween decorations. Here is the article:

Need some quick Halloween decorations, that even the kids can help with? Here are three great Halloween decorating ideas using easy to find, inexpensive materials.

Craft Foam Creepies

Craft foam is sold in sheets at the craft store in a whole array of colors. It is similar to construction paper, but made of thin, durable foam you can easily cut with scissors. Trace simple Halloween shapes onto the backside of the foam sheets and cut out. Use contrasting colors and a glue stick to add details such as a jack o lantern face, red eyes on a bat, or the face of a silly ghost. You can make these cutouts as large or as small as you want. Hang them in windows or hang them with clear thread form curtain rods, doorways, or in your front entry. (This works really well with bats, hang them from the tips of each wing, and one place on the body to make them appear to be flying) These can even be used on protected porches as the foam is water resistant.

Graveyard

A graveyard near your front walk is a creepy and creative touch to the Halloween spirit. We used scrap pieces of plywood and siding and cut them into rectangles with the tops rounded, like a gravestone. We first painted them gray, then washed over them with a watery white paint for age and spook factor. We used black paint to add amusing names and epitaphs, such as "I.M. Gone" or "Ben Dismembered". Screw a wooded stake to the back and pound into the ground. I like to group them together on an area of grass, then rope them off with chains, add a few pumpkins (and in my neck of the woods, tumbleweeds are a nice touch) and line the edge of your "graveyard" with lighted jackolanterns for Hallows Eve. My kids have the lost fun with this!

Giant spiders and webs

First of all, set the stage for your spiders by picking up some webbing…it is really cheap, and stretches a LONG way! Corners of rooms or porches, or stretched over a door are great effects. To make the spiders, pick up large black pom poms and large black chenille stems from the craft store. Take 4 chenille stems and twist them together in the middle. This creates the eight legs. Bend the stems downward about halfway down each leg. Now use tacky glue or a glue gun (glue gun is my choice as it sets almost instantly, but the adult must handle this!) to secure a large pom pom in the center of the legs at the twist to form the body. You can add google eyes as some do, but I prefer to cut scary red eyes from felt or craft foam and glue on. Set your spiders in their webs, and you can bend the leg tips to attach them to a picture frame or a lamp chain. Remember, with this project, the bigger, the better, so buy the bargest legs and pom poms you can find!

Three great projects for Halloween, make enough of any of these and you can turn your home into a haunted house without the huge price tag. (Don't forget to pack them away for next year!)

About the Author: Kathy Wilson is an author, columnist, and editor of The Budget Decorator and Decorating Your Small Space. You can find thousands of budget home decorating ideas at her website at http://www.TheBudgetDecorator.com. Don't forget to sign up for her free home and garden newsletter while you're there!

Coupon Chief

2007-09-05T09:50:00.000+10:00

Can you believe it’s September already? Before we know it Christmas will be here. Have you started to think about Christmas yet? Started planning what you are going to buy for your kids, your partner, your family and friends?

Christmas can be a very expensive time of year but CouponChief.com is here to help. They offer coupons from a number of well known online stores.

Have you seen the Dell coupons? I would love to buy another laptop for the kids to use so that they stopped fighting over the other computer.

I like to give my kids new school bags for Christmas and CouponChief even have eBags coupons.

Go and check it out!

Frugal Friday - Freezing Milk

2007-08-31T10:08:00.000+10:00

Freeze milk. Buy as much as you will need in between shopping days and freeze it. This will save you having to go to the convenience store to purchase more every couple of days.

Make sure you pour a little of the milk out (into another jug) before you freeze it, so that it doesn't expand and burst the plastic container.

If you want some more great frugal tips go and check out the other Frugal Friday participants.

My Other Frugal Friday Posts

Birthday Gift Box
Birthday Card Organiser
Homemade Yoghurt
Double Your Washing Powder
40 Uses For Vinegar
Baby Burpers
Newborn Clothes
Shaving Conditioner
Spray Detergent
Party Loot Bags
Don't Waste Water
Frugal Shampoo
Playdough
Organise Your Errand Day
Frugal Friday - Drying Rod

Christmas Gift Baskets Can Be A Great Gift Idea

2007-08-28T16:37:00.000+10:00

Christmas is fast approaching!. It will be here before we know it, so it's time to start thinking about what gifts we would like to give to our family and friends. Here is an article by Jeffery Martin on gift baskets. Gift baskets can be a great personal present for our loved ones or a great gift for aquantances. Here is the article:

If you've been searching for the perfect Christmas gift for someone on your holiday shopping list, gift baskets can be both fun to give and to receive. As the holiday season nears, consider making a Christmas gift basket to stand out from all the other gifts under the tree. This is fun to put together and even more fun to give. With just a bit of thought and planning, the gift basket idea will be accepted by others thinking "I wish I would have thought of that!" After giving out Christmas gift baskets for a couple of years, you may find that you have started a new trend among your family and friends. The next Christmas might be filled with all kinds of Christmas gift baskets. This is a great idea because when someone puts together a gift basket, they add a personal touch to it by taking generic gifts and showing that some thought and effort went into it. When you think about it, Christmas isn't about toys or clothes or pretty shiny diamonds, is it? Okay, everything but the shiny diamonds. Christmas is, however, a special day that brings family and friends together. Christmas has for sometime now been about materialism and not religious activities, lending to over spending during the Christmas holiday. Giving a gift basket is a subtle little way of saying how much you care for others while sticking within your budget. Things to Avoid When deciding to put together a Christmas gift basket for your family or friends, don't give items of a religious nature unless you are certain of the beliefs of those who will be receiving the Christmas gift basket. Giving something that you consider appropriate might offend someone else and it could even stop a relationship cold, possibly forever. Also, if you're strongly considering a Christmas gift basket, think about the amount of money that you want to spend. You can easily go overboard when you put in five things in a basket and add the cost of packaging and bows. Add the price of each item including tax and the basket itself. When deciding what to put in a basket, only add personal items if its for family or close friends. Remember, giving a gift basket isn't calculus. Just take a little time to think about the gift and keep the price in check while at the same time personalizing it for the person it is intended for. A Christmas gift basket is a wonderful way for you to say Merry Christmas to others while adding a personal touch. Why not start early this year and have fun making baskets this Christmas?

Brought to you as a courtesy from the Christmas Gifts Store, a member of the Christmas Gift Ideas

network.

Source: http://www.isnare.com/

Frugal Friday - Clothes Drying Rod

2007-08-24T11:32:00.000+10:00

Save on electricity by installing a hanging rod in your laundry or buy a portable clothes hanging rack to hang clothes on to dry. Jeans and heavy trackpants take a long time and a lot of energy to dry, so I hang them on coathangers, hang them on the clothes rack and with the heat of the dryer drying my other clothes they dry within a day.

If you want some more great frugal tips go and check out the other Frugal Friday participants.

My Other Frugal Friday Posts

Organise Your Errand Day

Frugal Living: Money Making Ideas for Stay at Home Moms

2007-08-22T21:07:00.001+10:00

As a Stay at Home Mum I like to feel like I am contributing to the family financially. Whether that be in the form of saving us money by being frugal or by bringing in a little extra money. It is often hard to know where to start to earn that little bit of extra money, but I have found this article by Candace Anderson that gives a few tips:

Just because you’ve made the decision to stay at home as a full-time mom, does not mean that you can’t earn a little spending money on the side. With today’s proliferation of work at home, freelance and telecommuting job opportunities, stay at home moms have several options. Along with a wide variety of money-making opportunities, the Internet brings more than its fair share of scams and rip-offs. However, if you use a little practical common sense and are not afraid of a little research, no one’s going to take advantage of you.

There is one very basic rule that you should keep in mind at all times. If you remember this, you’ll be immune from most of the scams and questionable offers, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” No one is going to pay you $1,500 a week to stuff envelopes so forget it. You are not going to become rich off of 99.9% of what you read, and the other 0.1% takes money, effort and time. Now that we’ve got some basic ground rules, let’s look at some options.

Surveys

There are probably hundreds of sites promoting making good money with paid surveys. The question is, can you really make money with paid online surveys. The answer is yes, you can make money on surveys, and you can get free goods and merchandise. However, I don’t know anyone that makes a living out of surveys (although I am sure someone is). Many survey companies offer entries into prize drawings for merchandise or cash. Some of the offers are pretty appealing. However, like any lottery, there are lots and lots of losers for each winner. If you want to take a shot, who knows, you might get lucky. However, for the most part you will be working for free, hoping to hit a jackpot.

There are reputable companies that do pay cash for surveys. It’s doubtful that you will make a full time wage, however, it’s a nice way to get a little extra spending money. Before you pay money and invest in a list of survey companies, test the water with any number of free survey companies. One tip: Create a separate email account and use it only for survey offers. You may find after applying to a number of companies that you will get a lot of email offers. If you are not careful what company you sign up with, you may find a lot of spamish email and offers that you are not expecting. It’s nice to have an email account that you can dispose of, if necessary, or at least use to separate your personal and professional email.

Mystery Shopping

Mystery shopping can be a lot of fun. I’ve enjoyed everything from free meals to free days at Disney as a mystery shopper and gotten paid too! There are a number of mystery shopping services that you can apply to and get a constant list of jobs that need to be filled in your area. The only real skill this takes is to be able to follow directions, and to accurately remember or document (on the sly) specific points of interest and then be able to complete an online form. Attention to detail and timely completion of work are skills that will do you well in this fun job. You can take your spouse out to a free lunch or dinner and get paid for your time to complete the paperwork. Once again, you won’t get rich, but it’s a fun way to earn a little money while getting free stuff.

Freelance Work

Freelancing is the ideal job for the stay at home mom because it offers flexibility, the ability to work from home (or where ever you choose) and still earn a decent living to help support your family. In addition stay at home mom’s can get additional tax benefits for their families through their freelance employment and so help further reduce the financial strain on their families.

As a stay at home mom, you may have some very marketable skills that companies would like to pay you for on a freelance basis. There are any number of positions for writing, editing, proofreading, web design, graphics art work, research, programming and hundreds of other jobs for which people are willing to contract. You don’t necessarily have to be a Pulitzer Prize winning writer to proofread and correct text, or to retype material from an imaged file into a word processor.

Freelance work is an opportunity for work at home moms to use their time and talents when and where they want: to bid on work that they’d like to do – when it’s convenient for them to work. With a variety of jobs ranging from the data entry to programming, freelance work can consist of either short-term assignments or longer-term engagements. Best of all, you get to pick by bidding on the work you’d like to pursue.

The stay at home mom has so many options available to help add to the family income. If you are not trying to find the EZ path to riches, there are many legitimate, and free, or nearly free, work from home ideas. Here are just a few.

· Be a fundraising agent, helping groups and non-profits with proven fundraising solutions.

· Get a piece of the $2.5 Billion pet market. Start a pet sitting business, a doggy day care or gourmet doggy bakery.

· Make and sell wire jewelry.

· Sell products on eBay or your own website without having to stock inventory!

For more information on the job ideas in this article or for a list of work from ideas from A to Z, visit http://www.FrugalMom.net

About The Author

Candace Anderson is a work from home mom who also homeschools her 5 boys while contributing significantly to the family income through multiple works from home channels of income. Mrs. Anderson has several websites including FrugalMom.net, which is dedicated to frugal living tips and resources for the stay at home and work at home mom. For more information on frugal living or legitimate work from home opportunities, visit http://www.FrugalMom.net

Redecorating on a Budget

2007-08-20T14:21:00.000+10:00

When it comes to our home, we all want it to be comfortable and inviting to those who take the time to visit us, as well as one we can be proud to show off. If your home seems a little dreary or feels a little outdated, you can make some changes that will brighten it up and leave you with a feeling that you've just given your home a much needed face lift. The following are some fast and frugal ways to redecorate your home.

Painting Tips

One of the main ways people tend to redecorate their homes is by painting. This is an inexpensive method to creating a whole new look. When painting your rooms, it is important to remember that you should match the shade to the colors in your furniture, unless you plan on new furnishings, as well. If painting your room is not something you want to do, consider adding a wall boarder or choosing a wallpaper to brighten up your room. These are all inexpensive ways you can change the decor of your home.

New Curtains

Another fast and frugal way to redecorate any room is with new curtains. Whether you are aiming for the sleek look or the country look, youll find a variety of styles and colors to choose from. Cafe curtains are a great way to let some light into your kitchen and for a new look in your living room, try something bright and cheerful. If you have the skills to sew, try new looks for the cost of fabric. If youre crafty, you can even try your hand at a new cover for your sofa to match your curtains. For those that do not have sewing skills, youll be able to find one-size-fits-all sofa covers in almost any department or home decorating store.

Candles and Candle Holders

One of the most enjoyable ways for you to change or add to your decor is with the use of candles and candle holders. Candles can be purchased in a variety of scents and colors that will add to the aroma, as well as the style of your home. Place them on tables and windowsills, as well as on the mantel and hearth. The candle holders you purchase should go with the decor of your home and may include many different styles, the most popular of which is metal candle holders. From candle holders made of stone such as an amethyst cluster to a work of art made from metal, they are an inexpensive and subtle way to change the atmosphere in your home.

To change or improve your home decor, you do not have to spend a lot of time or money. From a simple paint job to adding candles and candle holders, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere in which to live. If you are tired of having the same old look in your home, consider making small changes to your home a little at a time. When you redecorate, it does not have to be done in one day. By slowly creating the atmosphere you desire, youll be able to insure that it will be done in the decor you really desire.

Scrapbooking on a Budget

2007-08-18T09:13:00.000+10:00

Scrapbooking at its essence is really about storytelling, but with a visual and tactile, rather than oral, focus. Scrapbooking is also a method for preserving a legacy or history in the form of photographs, printed media, and memorabillia contained in decorated albums, or scrapbooks.

The tremendous growth of the Internet has resulted in more creative scrapbook approaches as well as online scrapbooks. The digital photography revolutions has been accompanied by an explosion in creative scrapbook ideas.

Scrapbooking stores and online sites are popping up around the world, and these are places scrapbookers can visit to take classes and buy endless amounts of paper, stickers, adhesives, embellishments, and tools. Unfortunately, not everyone has an unlimited scrapbook budget for these products. Working with a small bank account to create a beautiful album can be a challenge, but with a little effort and creativity, you can scrapbook frugally and no one will know the difference.

Starting an album is always going to be the most expensive part of the scrapbooking process, because you have to purchase the empty album. One way you can side step this expense is to create a digital album instead. However, for those of you who want the traditional bound album, my best advice is to watch the sales fliers at your local craft stores. Don't skimp on quality-you want to be sure you're getting an album that is well made and safe for your pages, but you can often find albums at up to 50% off during annual scrapbooking sales. Stock up if you are an avid scrapbooker; you're sure to need another album before sale season comes around again.

Frugal Friday - Organise Your Errand Day

2007-08-17T13:14:00.000+10:00

Organise your errand days logistically and geographically before you get in the car, so you can make several stops all in one trip out, and you arn't backtracking.

I started doing this because I needed to get my errands done as quickly as possible with a toddler and a baby in tow, then I realised it was saving me money by not driving past one store to get to the next :)

If you want some more great frugal tips go and check out the other Frugal Friday participants.

My Other Frugal Friday Posts

How To Survive Financially As A Stay At Home Mom

2007-08-12T08:55:00.000+10:00

Us Mums have a very tough decision to make when we have children. Do we continue to work or do we stay home with them?. The decision can be based on financial and emotional factors or more often than not a combination of both. Here is an article that I found on the subject:

In today’s world, it takes two incomes to support a household. Parents are finding, however, that their children suffer in more ways than one when both parents work away from the home. Other’s find that they are missing out on a great deal of their children’s lives, and that time is flying by.

Working from home solves these problems, but finding work that one can do from home, for a profit, isn’t as easy as it sounds.Unfortunately, this is where the scam artists come into the picture. These people prey on moms and dad’s that want to work from home – especially those who are desperate to work from home. These scammers take your money and squash your dreams, all the while telling you how you can become rich overnight. In fact, they make it sound so incredible, even the most sensible of people fall for their lies.

But, in reality, it is possible to work from home and make an income. It’s just a question of finding the right information to help you get started. There are work from home jobs, and work from home businesses that are legitimate. Some of these will provide you with a small income, while others provide you with a slightly larger income. All of them, however, do require actual work and effort on your part.

Here are some ways you can start surviving financially as a stay at home mom:

* Get a work from home job. You can find legitimate work from home jobs at: http://tinyurl.com/fgh87

* Take more than one work from home job to ensure that you are making the income that you hoped to earn. Don’t depend on one source of income. Just make sure that your home based work isn’t taking time that is needed for your family – remember the object was to be able to stay home with the children.

* Start your own home based business. You can find information for starting your own business at http://www.realworkathomeinfo.com/

* Find ways to live frugally. Cut costs wherever you can. In many cases, just by downsizing, a family can afford to have just one income. You can get information on frugal living at http://tinyurl.com/fgh87

If you put thought and effort into it, you really can stay home with your children and earn money at the same time. Just remember that with any home business or home based job, you will only get out of it what you put into it – and don’t believe anybody that promises you something for nothing!

Furthermore, you should never pay to do a work at home job.

Frugal Friday - Playdough

2007-08-10T13:49:00.001+10:00

2 cups flour
1 cup salt
2 Tbsp. Cream of Tartar
2 cups water
1 Tbsp. oil.

Mix all the ingredients in a pan and heat until the playdough forms a firm ball.
Once the mixture is firm let it cool.
Once cooled add food colouring to colour the playdough.
Place in the fridge and let cool completely before allowing children to handle it.

If you want some more great frugal tips go and check out the other Frugal Friday participants.

My Other Frugal Friday Posts

Birthday Gift Box
Birthday Card Organiser
Homemade Yoghurt
Double Your Washing Powder
40 Uses For Vinegar
Baby Burpers
Newborn Clothes
Shaving Conditioner
Spray Detergent
Party Loot Bags
Don't Waste Water

How To Be A Frugal Shopper

2007-08-04T08:24:00.000+10:00

Becoming a frugal shopper is a skill that will last a lifetime. It can save you money every single day. I found this article by Steven Gillman that I hope will give you some ideas on how to become a frugal shopper.

A frugal shopper has skills and ways of looking at things that help him or her take advantage of the money-saving opportunities in life. There are eleven of these techniques below. You can learn them in a matter of a day or two, practice them for a few weeks, and then save money for the rest of your life.

1. A frugal shopper studies other people. Do you know someone who always gets the best deal on cars, boats, or whatever? Ask him how he does it! Some people will tell you that the cheapest coffee in town is $3 per cup, while others will say 50 cents. There are probably people near you living a good life on half of what you make. Learn how others do things, so you'll know your options.

2. Frugality requires knowledge of values. It's tough to get a great deal on a car if you don't know what a great deal is. Start educating yourself on prices, especially before you're ready to buy anything that costs a lot.

3. Frugal shoppers pay cash. Things are cheaper when paid for in cash instead of credit. Want that new patio set? The price divided by the number of weeks you can wait to get it equals how much you need to set aside each week. You'll not only save on interest when you pay cash, but you'll often get a better price.

4. A good shopper looks for alternatives. Maybe you'd have just as much fun taking that discounted trip to the Bahamas as you would going to Jamaica. If you happen to enjoy pizza just as much - or more, skip the expensive restaurant and call Dominoes.

5. Frugal shoppers tell people what they need. Just mention it in conversation. Do you know how many people get free or cheap things, just because they talk? My neighbor wanted to upgrade her living room debt, and was thrilled that I would take her 3-month-old couch off her hands for $30. Glad I mentioned I was looking for one.

6. Do the math. You didn't really save $400 on that car if it costs you $500 more in gas each year. Also, be aware that some stores are cashing in on shopper's assumptions that larger is cheaper. Yes, the gallon of pickles might actually cost more than four quart jars. Be ready to do the math if you want to be a frugal shopper.

Steve Gillman has studied unusual ways to make and save money for thirty years. To learn five more ways to be a Frugal Shopper, visit http://www.UnusualWaysToMakeMoney.com/frugal-shopper.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_Gillman

Frugal Friday - Shampoo

2007-08-03T18:31:00.001+10:00

To stretch your shampoo pour half of bottle into empty bottle, and add water to fill both. You have twice as much now, and it will work just the same.

If you have heavy handed children like me put the shampoo into pump top bottles and teach them just to use one pump per wash.

If you want some more great frugal tips go and check out the other Frugal Friday participants.

My Other Frugal Friday Posts

Birthday Gift Box
Birthday Card Organiser
Homemade Yoghurt
Double Your Washing Powder
40 Uses For Vinegar
Baby Burpers
Newborn Clothes
Shaving Conditioner
Spray Detergent
Party Loot Bags
Don't Waste Water

How To Start Saving Money

2007-08-02T08:49:00.000+10:00

The vast majority of people live from pay cheque to pay cheque or worse still, completely in debt with absolutely no savings. Every book I have ever read on the subject of anything to do with money say that you need to have some savings to back you up.

Here is an article by Raj Vitthalpura on How to start saving money.

Most of us were taught the importance of saving money when we were young. You probably remember your parents or a favourite aunt or uncle urging you to put coins into a piggy bank or a portion of your Christmas and birthday money into a bank savings account.

Sadly, for most of us those lessons were among the first to be left behind as we grew taller and, supposedly, smarter.

Why exactly that happens, no one knows.

If I had to guess, I'd say it's because, for the vast majority of us, the sudden economic pressures of adult life coupled with insidiously effective marketing messages caused us to forget those early, ever-so-valuable lessons. The people who cave in to the dictates of extreme consumerism often never come to their senses until retirement looms near. By which time it's too late to salvage the situation.

But such tragedy doesn't have to be your fate.

Chances are good you stopped by here because you're curious to learn effective ways to start saving money seriously.

If so, let me not keep you waiting. Here are three strategies you can put to work immediately in your life:

1. Remind yourself that you matter at least as much as everybody else;

2. Understand the true power of compound interest; and

3. Unleash the power of goal-setting in this vital area of life.

1. Remind yourself that you matter at least as much as everybody else

The reason most of us never get serious about starting a savings programme is our deep-seated harbouring of a dangerously mixed up set of priorities. What most of us tell ourselves is: "I'll pay all my bills first, and then see what's left at the end of the month to save."

Because our month lasts longer than our money, that particularly popular approach is a potent recipe for lifelong impoverishment.

If you work for your money - as most of us do - then surely you deserve to pay yourself first, or at the very least second depending upon your religious convictions?

By deciding to first set aside a chunk of change for yourself, you'll be sending a message out to the universe. One that's bold, simple and clear:

"I matter to myself. That's why I pay myself ahead of others. This puts me in control of my economic destiny."

2. Understand the true power of compound interest

Many books suggest we set aside 10% of our earnings. I happen to believe that real economic heavyweights should set much higher targets. In fact, in my own financial planning practice in Malaysia, I try to inspire my clients to gradually expand their skill set so they'll be able to earn more and more money. Simultaneously, I urge them to set a personal goal of reaching a 40% to 50% savings cum investment rate over the next ten or twelve years.

That may strike you as being rather extreme. And it certainly is by the standards of today's consumer-orientated society.

So, relax! What's more important than setting such high final savings targets is for you to decide TODAY to simply get started.

Given enough time, even small sums parked in low-yielding financial instruments can grow to surprising sizes. Here's an eye-opening example.

Did you know that if you'd been able to set aside 1 cent in a modest savings instrument that, say, only yielded 2% per annum at the time of Jesus Christ's birth in Bethlehem around 4 BC, you'd have more than $1,900 trillion today?

That amount of money would make you 40,000 times richer than Bill Gates - the richest person on the planet at the time of this writing.

Of course, you don't have 2,010 years or more to save, but you also are likely to have more than just 1 cent to set aside today as seed money, right?

So, make a start.

And while you're at it, don't forget the primary lesson we all absorbed in childhood: We should learn to crawl before we can walk before we can run. Learn to save before you try to invest or, scarier still, speculate.

3. Unleash the power of goal-setting in this vital area of life

If we don't get serious about establishing a personal wealth building plan, rest assured we will end up becoming pawns in someone else's personal plan to grow wealthy... at our expense.

Learn to set challenging and inspiring goals to help motivate yourself to begin your personal journey to financial freedom.

That start is nothing more sophisticated than determining within your heart that you have great value, and you're entitled to save money for yourself.

I suggest you begin your personal savings programme in something as safe and uncomplicated as a bank account or a money market fund.

Focus more on gently raising your personal savings rate than in reaching - or over-reaching - for yield.

If these three simple pointers have inspired you to begin a personal savings programme or to get far more serious about the one that you already have, then I'm delighted.

I wish you well in your personal quest for financial freedom.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Raj_Vitthalpura

Flash Cards - An Inexpensive Way to Educate Your Toddler

2007-07-23T15:52:00.000+10:00

I found this great article by Jennifer Foote on flash cards. I have to say I love flash cards and have always used them to help my children learn. We have used them to teach numbers, colours and letters before preschool. And words, maths and the time in primary school. Here's the article:

When it comes to educational toys or activities for your toddler, what is the first thing that comes to mind? If you are like most parents, you likely automatically think of the coolest toys on the market. A large number of these toys are educational, but many are also electronic. These toys may encourage your child to learn, but being electronic can sometimes make them difficult to afford. If you are looking for a cheaper educational toy or item, you are encouraged to examine flash cards.

When thinking of flash cards, there are many who think back to their days in high school. Many high school students use flash cards to prepare for upcoming exams. Flash cards are often used by high school students, but they are not only limited to them. You will find that a large number of flash cards are designed for toddlers; toddlers like yours. Like the flash cards that are used by many high school students, preschool cards can also be educational.

When I picked up the first package of flash cards for my daughter, I literally had no idea that she would enjoy them so much. I also had no idea that she could learn so much from using them. She received her first set of flash cards before the age of two and she still loves them just as much as she first did. There are many instances where she would rather play with her set of flash cards than any of her other toys.

Perhaps, the nicest thing about flash cards is that they are very inexpensive. Flash cards can be purchased from a wide variety of different retailers. I have purchased a number of flash card sets from my local Wal-Mart, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and Dollar General. I never pay more than one dollar for a set of cards and they can sometimes even be found for cheaper. You may be assuming that these flash cards, due to their price, are cheap or poor in quality, but they are not. My daughter's favorite set of flash cards only cost one dollar and I found them at a dollar store, but they are made by Fisher Price.

Fisher Price is great, but they are not the only company that makes educational flash cards for children, namely preschoolers. When searching for flash cards, you will come across a wide variety of different styles, from a number of different companies. I have found flash card sets that focus on first words, numbers, colors, shapes, the alphabet, and animals. The best flash cards are the ones that come with large pictures and small descriptions, preferably in large, easy to read print.

As with just about any toy, your child may be get bored with the set of flash cards that you have purchased for them. That is why it is nice that you are often presented with a large product selection to choose from. I regularly replace my daughter's flash cards every few months. I find that this prevents her from losing interest in this fun, but cheap learning activity.

Jennifer Foote is a freelance writer, who is also a stay at home mom. She balances her time to not only make a living from home, but prepare her daughter for preschool from home as well. She runs the following blog: http://preparingyourchildforpreschool.blogspot.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Foote

Frugal Friday - Luxurious Baths

2007-07-20T11:35:00.000+10:00

If you need some pampering, add a handful of Epsom salts and a cup of milk to warm water in your bath tub.

If you have any favorite essential oils that you enjoy, drop a few drops into the bath for an aromatherapy spa experience.

Light a candle, turn off the light, shut the door and slide into your luxurious bath.

My Other Frugal Friday Posts

How to Become Motivated to be Frugal

2007-07-19T08:42:00.000+10:00

Staying motivated is something that I struggle with all the time. I go through phases of being really gung ho, watching everything I spend, ever single cent, reading everything I can get my hands on and then I go through phases of not wanting to think about money at all. I found this article by Martin Lukac and thought that it might help those of you that want to start being frugal and also help those of us that struggle with staying motivated. Here is the article:

You might really want to save money and be frugal, but just can't seem to get started. How do you jump start yourself into a frugal life?

Whether you are just starting to be frugal or need a little motivation to keep on saving, sometimes it is hard to keep in focus why you choose to live frugally. I am a firm believer in writing things down. I believe that once you see things in writing, they are a little more concrete in your mind.

Make yourself a frugal living notebook. This is a record of your goals, plans and actions. In the future, you can look back and see how your frugal living has benefited you over time. For example, I can flip back through my notebook right now and see how our financial goals have been met over the last year. It helps motivate me to keep going.

So gather a notebook, a pen and your budget. Your budget will help you choose your goals. If you don't have a budget, then now is a great time to start one. It can be as simple as a list of the bills that come out of each paycheck. I list each payday on a separate page. Each bill that comes out of that check is written down. When non-monthly bills come in they are placed on the appropriate page. When I pay bills, I cross them off the list. This way, I am sure that every bill is paid each month. Anyone can pick up my book and see what has and hasn't been paid. I subtract the total bill amount from each paycheck and allot the left overmoney towards savings and spending money. It's a paycheck by paycheck budget. Since I know approximately how much each paycheck will be, I am able to plan ahead.

In your notebook, make a list of every debt you owe. List what it is, the interest rate, the total amount left and the monthly payment. Every once in a while, you will update this so that you can visually see how your debts are going down over time. It is a good feeling to see how much you are paying off.

Now, define and list your goals. Goals change over time, so be sure to update your list. You will be checking off things you accomplish and adding new goals. Be realistic and honest with yourself. Start small. At one time, my list included "pay off highest interest rate credit card." Now all my cards are paid off, so my new top goal is to devote 10% of each paycheck to savings.

When you look at your finances, you have to wear blinders. Don't compare yourself to anyone else. Every financial situation is unique. Just because your friends are driving new cars, you don't need to go into higher debt to have a new car. You don't know or want anyone else's financial situation. Only look at your goals when you are planning how to spend your money.

Be realistic and reasonable. For example, my husband wants a new car so bad he can taste it. But we only owe eleven more payments on our vehicle. It runs perfect and is in great shape. We could go and trade it in and have a car payment of about the same amount on a new vehicle. Or we could wait eleven months, pay it off and then buy another vehicle. Then we would have two nice vehicles with one car payment. It is worth the wait, as most things are financially.

Being frugal doesn't mean starving yourself. It doesn't even mean living within your means. It means living life to the fullest while spending only what is necessary. We all are allowed niceties. You may be saying, why would someone who preaches frugal living be talking about a new car? That's our perk for living frugally -- bought sensibly and reasonably. Living frugally gives us the option of having a new vehicle if we choose. It's about choices. Many of us live frugally when we don't have choices, so that later in life we will. You have to treat yourself. It may just be a bubble bath or a free walk in the park. Its about spending life to the fullest. You can't do that burdened by money.

Don't fret and worry about money. Thinking about it will not change anything. Taking action will. Make a plan, refer to it often and take back your financial freedom.

Martin Lukac, represents http://www.rateempire.com/ , a finance web-company specializing in real estate/mortgage market. We specialize in daily updates, rate predictions, mortgage rates and more. Find low home loan mortgage interest rates from hundreds of mortgage companies! Visit http://www.RateEmpire.com today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martin_Lukac

Frugal Friday - Save Water

2007-07-13T12:04:00.000+10:00

While waiting for hot water from your sink to get hot, place a jug under the faucet to collect water. Use this water to water plants, pets, etc. You'll be surprised with how much water you've collected.

If you want some more great frugal tips go and check out the other Frugal Friday participants.

My Other Frugal Friday Posts

Birthday Gift Box
Birthday Card Organiser
Homemade Yoghurt
Double Your Washing Powder
40 Uses For Vinegar
Baby Burpers Newborn Clothes
Shaving Conditioner
Spray Detergent
Party Loot Bags

Frugal Friday - Party Loot Bags

2007-07-06T09:58:00.000+10:00

Kids parties can be very expensive so to cut down on some of the cost try these inexpensive loot bags.

Use brown paper bags instead of store bought bags. Get the kids at the party to decorate their own bags with pencils, texta, glitter or stickers and write their names on them.

You can then put a few little treats inside for them to take home.

Creating a Budget - Step-by-Step Guide to Managing Money

2007-07-05T08:47:00.000+10:00

Creating a budget can be very daunting. Sometimes it's easier to bury your head in the sand, but for anyone that is serious about sorting out their finances a budget is an essential step. Below is an article by Tara Ashcraft. Tara walks you, step by step through the budget making process. Here is the article:

It is not as complicated as it sounds nor is it as dreadful. I know the thoughts are running through your head right now of not being able to have fun or having the enjoyment of purchasing clothes, eating out, or participating in exciting activities. However, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Establishing a budget not only allows you to see what you are spending your hard earned money on, but it also allows you to set aside money each month so that you can enjoy your leisure activities.

What Are You Spending Money On?

It is necessary to write down your spending habits for at least one month. Consistently recording your purchases and bill payments will allow you to see exactly how much money you spend on various expenditures. Daily, jot down how much you spent on food, gas, books, etc… Carry a binder or notebook with you so you can conveniently jot down the amount spent before you forget. Keeping a log will dramatically open your eyes to the amount of money you are spending on a daily basis and will allow you to adjust your budget accordingly.

Create Categories

Create a list of categories that you can organize your expenditures in. For example, you decided to eat lunch at Panera Bread and you spent $10.00. Create a Restaurant category and place this amount under that particular category. Not only will you be able to track your expenses, but you will be able to quickly see where you are spending the most of your money. You may also use a computer finance software program to keep track of your expenditures, whichever works best for you. Write down as many categories as you can think of. You may have 10 categories or you may have over 20, it all depends on your lifestyle.

See Your Results

At the end of the month, tally the results of your log. Pay attention to where you have spent the most money and where you spend the least. Having kept this log should dramatically open your eyes to see exactly where your money has been going during a month’s time. You may be shocked to see that you spent $15 in late charges for overdue books at the library or you noticed that you spend a large amount on fast food. Take some time and sit down and look at ways you can cut back in certain categories or eliminate all together.

Tara Ashcraft is a work-at-home mom to three beautiful children and wife to an amazing husband. She graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a BA in Speech and Language Pathology. Tara is on a journey to becoming debt free and discusses more ideas for paying debt and making money at http://www.thedebtfreemom.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tara_Ashcraft

Frugal Friday - Spray Detergent

2007-06-30T11:55:00.000+10:00

I found this tip a few months ago and thought it was a good one.

Squirt a little washing up liquid into a spray bottle then fill with water. Keep the bottle near your kitchen sink and use it when you are washing up a pan or a dish, you use way less detergent than squirting it directly from it's bottle.

Do You Have These Frugal Living Habits?

2007-06-22T00:40:00.000+10:00

I found this article a little while ago and had it saved in my favourites and have just found it again. The Author Steven makes some good points which I thought were interesting. So I thought I'd share it with you all. Here is the article:

Frugal living requires skills and ways of looking at things that help you take advantage of the money-saving opportunities in life. The truly frugal person makes these into habits. Six of these habits are outlined below. These are techniques that can be learned in a matter of a day or two, and made into new habits a few weeks. Then they will save money for you for the rest of your life.

1. Frugal living requires a knowledge of values. How can you get a great deal on a car if you don't know what a great deal is. Get in the habit of educating yourself on prices, especially before you're ready to buy anything that costs a lot. It takes a few hours of looking at listings for sale, for example, to know what homes are selling for in an area, but this is knowledge that can save you thousands.

2. Learn from other people. Most of us know someone who always gets the best deal on cars, boats, homes, or even groceries. Why not ask him or her how they do it! One person will tell you that the cheapest coffee in town is $3 per cup, while another will say 50 cents. Ask the latter about coffee shops. People near you are living a good life on half of what you make. Investigate that. See how others do things, and you'll know your options.

3. Frugal living means always looking for alternatives. You might have just as much fun taking a discount trip to Mexico as you would going to Jamaica. Maybe you happen to enjoy pizza more than fine French dining. If so, why not skip the expensive restaurant and call Dominoes. This isn't about sacrificing, but about getting even more of what you really enjoy by paying less for cheaper alternatives that work just as well.

4. Pay cash. What happens when everything you buy costs an additional 20% because of the interest you pay over the years? You can't buy as much! Everything is cheaper when paid for in cash instead of credit. If you want that new patio set, divide the price by the number of weeks you can wait to get it. Set aside that much each week, and buy it for cash when you have the money. Not only do you save on interest, but you'll often get a better price when you pay cash.

5. Learn to do the math. Did you really save $400 on that car if it costs you $500 more in gas each year? Did you know that some stores are cashing in on shopper's assumptions that larger is cheaper? It's true. That gallon of pickles might actually cost more than four quart jars. Make it a habit to do the math if you want to save money.

6. Tell people what you need. Mention it in conversations. Many people get free or cheap things, just because they talk. For example, a neighbor wanted to upgrade her living room debt, and was thrilled that I would take her three-month-old couch off her hands for $30. I sure am glad that I mentioned I was looking for one. You need to make this little trick a part of your frugal living habits.

Steve Gillman has studied unusual ways to make money for thirty years. To learn more, visit his website, Unusual Ways To Make Money: http://www.unusualwaystomakemoney.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_Gillman

Frugal Friday - Nappy Wipes

2007-06-08T09:49:00.000+10:00

Having two kids in nappies can be very expensive not only with the purchasing of the nappies but also nappy wipes. I've found that ripping the thicker brands of nappy wipes in half when I'm using them makes them last a lot longer and makes them more economical.

If you want some more great frugal tips go and check out the other Frugal Friday participants.

My Other Frugal Friday Posts

Birthday Gift Box

Baby Burpers
Newborn Clothes

40 Uses For Vinegar

Shaving Conditioner

Cheap Thrills - Family Entertainment on a Budget

2007-06-02T10:36:00.000+10:00

Having a large family I am always on the look out for cheap entertainment for my kids. Taking my family to the movies can cost us a small fortune these days and has to be limited to special occassions only. I found this article by Deborah Taylor-Hough. Deborah has some great ideas for saving money when trying to keep your family entertained. Here is the article:

Having fun as a family doesn't have to break the bank. With a little thought and creativity, family fun can equal frugal fun. Here are a dozen easy ideas to get you started.

1. Be patient and wait to see new movies on video. Some communities even offer free video rentals at local libraries and will order new movies if library patrons request a certain title.

2. Check to see if there are any discount movie theaters in your area. Most of these places show movies just before they’re released to video. A family of four can go out for an evening at the movies and only spend around $10 for a fun family outing. Keep a list of movies you want to see, and then check the discount theater listings each week. These theaters often keep the movies for just one or two weeks, so stay alert to what’s playing.

3. Go to the first show of the day at first-run theaters for the best prices (and shortest lines!).

4. Check your area for free days at museums, zoos, etc.

5. Rather than buying separate admissions to different educational or fun family destinations, buy one yearly family pass to either the zoo, the aquarium, or a theme park. Go repeatedly to that one place each time you want a family outing. You will easily save the cost of the family admission, plus you’ll have the benefit of not feeling pressured to see everything in one day. You can always see what you missed the next time you come. Next year, buy a pass somewhere else.

6. Check for free concerts, plays, and other live family entertainment in local parks.

7. Call and find out if your local college stage production group, ballet or orchestra will let you watch them rehearse for free.

8. If you want to eat at an expensive restaurant, go for lunch rather than dinner. The menu is usually the same, but the prices are often half.

9. When dining out, drink water only. Ask for a lemon or lime wedge if you want to make your drink seem special. This trick can easily cut $10 off your family’s total dining bill, which could mean the difference between going out for a fun meal or staying home eating frozen egg rolls again.

10. Go fly a kite. Literally!

11. Make the most of any available student discounts. Show your child’s school ID at museums, zoos, galleries, theaters, etc.

12. Instead of an expensive day of professional sports, go to a high school or community college game.

Deborah Taylor-Hough (free-lance writer and mother of three) is the author of several popular books including Frugal Living For Dummies(r) and Frozen Assets: How to Cook for a Day and Eat for a Month. To subscribe to her free email newsletter, Simple Times, send an email to: subscribe-simple-times@hub.thedollarstretcher.com

Visit Debi online and read more articles dealing with simple living, frugality, parenting and much more: http://thesimplemom.wordpress.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Deborah_Taylor-Hough

Frugal Friday

2007-05-31T17:38:00.001+10:00

My frugal tip for this week is to use conditioner when shaving your legs instead of using shaving cream. Cheap conditioner works really well and costs a fraction of the price of shaving cream and keeps your legs moisturised as well.

If you want some more great frugal tips go and check out the other Frugal Friday participants.

My Other Frugal Friday Posts

Birthday Gift Box
Birthday Card Organiser
Homemade Yoghurt
Double Your Washing Powder
40 Uses For Vinegar
Baby Burpers

Newborn Clothes

7 Tips for Thrifty Living

2007-05-26T12:35:00.000+10:00

Life can be expensive and small things add up and end up costing us lots of money. Sometimes we are not even aware that by making small changes we can save ourselves a lot of money. Christine Louise Hohlbaum has written an article on 7 tips for thrifty living. She has some very good ideas, here is the article:

It is no secret that life is more expensive today than when our parents were growing up. How can we offset soaring prices without sacrificing quality of life? Here are a few tips to help you save more:

1.) It is no surprise that credit cards represent a trap for many people. Incentives such as “earning” frequent flyer miles or free internet access are only “free” if you can pay off the balance every month. Otherwise, you end up on the losing end of the stick, paying interest rates in the double digits. It makes more sense to save for that ticket to visit the Carribean or your relatives than to rack up frequent flyer miles on a card you can never pay off. Tip: Only use credit cards if you know you can pay off the balance at the end of the month.

2.) Electricity doesn’t come cheap. Heat-producing appliances such as dryers and refrigerators burn up enormous amounts of energy. Tip: Consider purchasing an energy saving appliance. Turn down the refrigerator in the cooler months. Hang your wash outside instead of using the dryer. It will save you money, and the clothes smell fresh!

3.) It is tempting to spend a lot of money on the weekends “because you deserve it.” That may be true, but you may not be able to afford it, too. Tip: Instead of that expensive weekend at an amusement park or that ski trip that costs a bundle, take a bike ride with your kids or check out a new park to go sledding. You’ll get some exercise and needed fresh air while creating memories with the kids.

4.) Children usually like to draw. If your little Picasso is eating up all of your expensive computer printer paper, think about this. Tip: Consider using paper bags or recycled office paper for some of their artwork. They work fine for collages, and they are free. An added plus? You’ll reduce that pile of bags in the pantry that keeps growing, and you’ll save several trees.

5.) Spending time away from the kids is essential, but babysitters can be expensive. Tip: Consider swapping babysitting with a neighbor, at least some of the time. It will reduce the cost of going out with your partner, and you’ll benefit from a night on the town for less.

6.) Good picture frames can be very pricey. Tip: Purchase one stable picture frame for the kids’ annual school photos. Keep the old photos behind the frame to compare prior years’ pictures. An added benefit? You have all of the school pictures in one place!

7.) Entertainment need not be expensive. Tip: Rent a video instead of attending a movie in a theater. Invite your friends and have a potluck supper. Now you’ve multiplied the fun without the extra cost of parking, movie tickets, and refreshments!

Life can be beautiful. It doesn’t have to be expensive.

Christine Louise Hohlbaum, American author of Diary of a Mother: Parenting Stories and Other Stuff, is a freelance writer living near Munich, Germany with her husband and two kids. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from Smith College and an M.A. in International Relations, German and English Literature from the University of Constance, Germany. When she is not leading a toddler playgroup or writing, she likes to dance, sing with her kids, and generally frolic.

Visit her web site at:

http://mypages.iparenting.com/webs/diaryofamother/diaryofamother.html

Frugal Weight Loss - What Have You Got to Lose?

2007-05-23T11:33:00.000+10:00

Frugal Weight Loss - What Have You Got to Lose?

by Marianne Giullian

People spend so much money trying to lose weight. Instead of taking responsibility and making their own choices, they pay others to tell them what to do and what to eat. Losing weight is very simple: when you eat too many calories, you gain weight; when you eat less calories, you lose weight. Exercise makes weight loss quicker. There are some things that you can do by yourself to lose weight instead of paying others large amounts of money.

How to Save Money with Great Gift Ideas

2007-05-20T09:21:00.000+10:00

Want to save $1000 this year for very little effort? Gift giving is an area where impulse buying is a frequent occurrence. I was amazed to discover I was spending over $1500 or more per year for gifts. What have you spent for gifts in the last 12 months?

In my experience, gifts were last minute purchases for which money was no object. I now spend less than $500 per year for gifts. Take two hours of your life and save yourself $1000 or more per year on gift giving.

Get Prepared

Label 12 manila folders January - December. On the front of each monthly folder, write the days of the month. Next to the appropriate date on the folder, write in the occasion for which a gift and/or a card will need to be purchased. Then, write the amount of money you will spend on that gift. Inevitably, a wedding or birthday will come up that you didn't know about, so be sure you leave a little money left for these unexpected occasions.

The key is, don't exceed what you budgeted for each gift. For example, for Mother's Day, I will write $15 next to the holiday. I only allocate $400 for the known holidays and set aside $100 for the unexpected gifts such as a wedding or birth of a child. You may find that you are unable to budget $500 a year for gift giving. Just determine what you can afford and STICK WITH IT. Don't deviate from your budget.

Advance Planning

There are very real benefits to planning your gift-giving in advance. And, with a little creativity, you can bring your overall cost down substantially. Because you're prepared, you can actually enjoy the holidays. You won't feel financially strapped since you've budgeted for the gifts in advance. Since you've anticipated the gift-giving occasion, you will undoubtedly find the gifts on sale. It goes without saying, but the ideas is, NEVER PAY RETAIL - EVER!

Frugal Gift Ideas

Buy gift-wrap and greeting cards on sale, or better yet, make them yourself.

Shop for gifts all year long to get the best price. This may mean you could be buying Christmas cards in January.

Plant an herb garden for a friend. And, while you're at it, make one for yourself too.

Treat your partner/spouse to a homemade spa. Give him/her a gift certificate announcing a full one-hour body massage and facial. This gift is easily worth over $75!

Organize personal negatives and photographs for a friend or family member. Create a scrapbook, photo books, or even Photo CDs.

Make some creative hand puppets for a child if you have mismatched socks and buttons lying around your home.

Create a care package for a friend who recently got a new job. In a box or basket put some instant coffee, tea bags, aspirin, bandages, travel size toothpaste and toothbrush, along with a coffee cup.

If the friend is a female, add some trial size products such as perfume and hair spray. If you want to increase the value of the gift, give a portable umbrella.

Design a similar package for a recent high-school graduate student who will be entering college. You may want to even provide a $5 phone card instead of an umbrella.

Buy movie tickets... a gift where one size fits all. When movie tickets are purchased in advance from movie theatres, you can usually get them at half price!

Offer to make dinner for your friends if you're a good cook.

Give a single friend or elderly family member freshly frozen dinners for a week.

Mail out holiday cards for an elderly family member. if you're computer literate, put their address book into a database so the information can easily be updated.

Make a year's worth of greeting cards and personalized stationery for someone if you're a bit crafty.

Make enough birthday cards, anniversary cards, and blank cards for a year's worth of holidays. The thoughtfulness will go a long way throughout the year.

Help someone else get organized. If the person you need to give a gift to is an entrepreneur or extremely disorganized, make a filing system for the upcoming tax year.

Purchase gift-with-purchase cosmetic/perfume specials and split the gifts. Usually the gift is nicely wrapped, generic, and valuable enough to give away for an upcoming gift in your tickler file.

Getting Organized

In a drawer or closet, place the gift giving manila files, the greeting cards, gift-wrap and purchased gifts in chronological order. This is now your tickler file and shopping list to remind you what holiday is coming up.

A Frugal Lifestyle

2007-05-19T21:32:00.000+10:00

Below is a great article on how to have a frugal lifestyle. The article is written by Edwin Shackleford. There are some really good ideas in the article on how to more frugally. Here is the article:

The word “frugality” has left a more negative connotation for most people than simply being a saver, a cheapskate or tightwad. There is a thin line difference to saving and too much frugality to the point of being awkward and ridiculous. This is where the negative connotation comes from.

But if you are guided with the right principles and reasons in deciding to live a frugal life, you would never go wrong.

If you have decided to live frugally, no need to be worried of insults. Keep your head up high. And keep your focus through these tips.

1. Eating Out - Having gimmicks with friends on a Friday night is fine if you do it once in a while. But this can be expensive if you add them up at the end of the month.

2. Clothing - Naturally, if you are the kind of person who adores signature and designer clothes, do not expect that there will be something left of your take home pay. Instead of being trendy, wear clothes that can easily be matched with your other clothes.

3. Own Home - If you are planning to move out and find a place to settle, do not be overwhelmed by the excitement, instead be practical. As a start, buy a smaller house or try other ways like rent-to-own, do-it-yourself arrangements, and owner financing.

4. Buying Your Own Car - Shy away from sports cars or SUVs. Just stick to your purpose of buying a car which is to transport you anywhere you need to go. Check out also program cars like a new car warranty. Maybe this is not just the best time to replace your car with a new one.

5. Shopping for Groceries - As much as possible do not go with items that are branded. Choose non-brands and try looking for items on the highest or lowest shelves for best prices. Grab the opportunity and shop during sales or use coupons.

6. Family Out - There are inexpensive ways to bond with your family and be entertained like going to libraries, local parks, malling, picnics, visit friends and local church.

7. Buying School Supplies - Stock school supplies at home and do not buy anything fancy.

8. Be contented with what you have and try to live within what you earn.

9. Plan your Child’s College Education - Teach them the ways to be independent and self-supporting by encouraging them to apply for scholarships and “on campus jobs”.

10. Be Aware of your Financial Limitations

11. Anticipate your Failures by Planning - Have always a budget plan so you would avoid impulsive buying.

Article Source: http://www.articleinterchange.com

Visit Edwins site for more free tips on setting up a family budget. www.free-online-course.com/familybudget

$20 Challenge - Week 5

2007-05-13T19:42:00.000+10:00

I missed last week because my power cord was broken on my laptop but I had a bad week Challenge wise anyway and had nothing to report. I didn't make my $20 for the week, but I am happy to report that this week I made $23 from PayPerPost. I didn't make anything from eBay this week, but I have some dvds up for Auction this week so will hopefully have some profits to report next week!

Here are my challenge stats:

This weeks earnings - $23.00
Total Challenge earnings - $101.22

Frugal Friday - Newborn Clothes

2007-05-11T20:34:00.000+10:00

My Frugal Friday tip for this week is for all those first time expecting mums.

Don't get carried away and buy hundreds of cute little newborn outfits, because chances are your precious little bundle will grow out of them before you get to use them all.

Sophie grew out of 0000 clothes when she was 3 weeks old. Luckily I had only bought about 5 all in one bonds suits and I had recieved a couple of cute little outfits as gifts. Because I do washing everyday anyway there wasn't any need for more than that.

If you want some more great frugal tips go and check out the other Frugal Friday participants.

My Other Frugal Friday Posts

Birthday Gift Box